Open cluster NGC 2244, the bright star group at the center of the Rosette Nebula, is easy to see through binoculars. Seeing even a trace of the nebula, however, requires a moonless night, steady air, and binoculars with front lenses of at least 70 millimeters.

Richard McCoy

Oh, the weather outside may be frightful and the fire inside delightful, but if it’s clear, amateurs worldwide head out to enjoy the winter sky. Setting up a telescope at this time of year may leave you cold, but that’s the beauty of binoculars. Pull them out of their case, and you’re ready to go.

And there’s plenty to look at. For this article, I’ve picked 10 of my favorites. You may already know some of them, but I bet others will be brand new to you.

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